The time has finally arrived. The National Basketball Association is kicking off the 2019-20 regular season. Since the Toronto Raptors claimed their first ever title last season, a lot has changed around the league. The balance of power in the NBA has potentially changed going into this season. Since that time, there's been quite a few changes made around the league. We have new coaches in new cities,familiar faces in new places, while some familiar faces have decided to hang up the sneakers and call it a career. So lets take a look at some of what has gone down since last season ended.
The end of last season saw the end of some pretty good careers. Dwyane Wade, Channing Frye, Dirk Nowitzki, and Tony Parker are the biggst names to announce their retirement. Vince Carter has also said that this season will be his last in the league. From the end of last year, some teams have gotten new bench bosses. Cleveland (John Beilein), Memphis (Taylor Jenkins), Sacramento (Luke Walton), Los Angeles Lakers (Frank Vogel) and Phoenix (Monty Williams) will all be working with new coaches. This year also has some pretty good combos on teams with familiar faces going to new places. The biggest names moving where Kyrie Irving and Kevin Durant going to Brooklyn. Kawhi Leonard made a big splash by heading to LA to play for the Clippers. DeMarcus Cousins and Anthony Davis are both joining LeBron with the Lakers, while Taj Gibson and Julius Randle where the biggest free agent additions by the Knicks.
Lets not waste any more time. Here's how I see the 2019-20 NBA season going down
Western Conference:
1. Denver Nuggets (54-28: 1st Northwest Division)
54 wins and a division title last year wasn't enough for the Nuggets they want more. And why not. Denver kept most of it's club in tact from a season ago. Nikola Jokic is the undisputed leader on this team and he's only 24 years old.He's not alone. Paul Milsap and Jamal Murray make a pretty good supporting cast,a s is Will Barton, who is sort of a jack of all trades for the Nuggets.. Michael Porter Jr. is going to be a stud for the Nuggets coming off the bench this year in Denver. Denver is a balanced and deep team that's going to go on a long playoff run this year.
2. Los Angeles Clippers (53-29: 1st Pacific Division)
A team that finished behind Golden State a year ago really got better, on paper, this year. The two biggest names added for this team were Paul George and Kawhi Leonard. Then you have a guy like Lou Williams coming off the bench. Patrick Beverley is also going to be a big impact player this year as well. Look, this is a Clippers team that did win 48 games last year and finished second behind the Warriors in the Pacific last year. That was without a superstar player. Now they have two of them. Doc Rivers has something to run with.
3. Utah Jazz (52-30: 2nd Northwest Division)
Hey 50 wins isn't too bad a season, neither is finishing in 3rd place in your stacked division. That's what Utah did last year and they look to improve upon that this year. Mike Conely and Rudy Gobert are going to be leading the charge in Utah, and they got some help. Bojan Bogdanović will be a huge addition at power forward. Throw Emmanuel Mudiay as a perfect role player to be coming off the bench and Utah has something. Still say they may stumble in the playoffs, as they are a year or so away from being a MAJOR player in the West. We all know what goes on in the regular season gets thrown out the window come playoff time.
4. Houston Rockets (52-30: 1st Southwest Division)
53 wins and a division title for the Rockets last year has them tasting it again this year. Houston wants to get better and they took a step towards doing that very thing this year. Already had a superstar in James Harden. They got rid of Chris Paul, sending him to the Thunder along with draft picks. In return, the Rockets got Russel Westbrook, who is a double double machine. They have depth on this team too. Austin Rivers, Nen, Tyson Chandler too. Its going to be a good year for the Rockets. They'll again be near the top in the West and could be a heavy hitter with the Clippers and Nuggets come playoff time.
5. Los Angeles Lakers (51-31: 2nd Pacific Division)
Last year was the first time in eight years that Lebron missed the finals. hell the Lakers missed the playoffs altogether. But LA got a lot better in the offseason. Anthony Davis is now added into the mix, giving the Lakers a very solid one-two punch. They have depth players and balnce to go with them. Boogie Cousins is now in the lineup but it depends on his health. Rajon Rondo could prove he could still be a force Danny Green and JaVal McGee round out the starting five. There's a few guys that are battling injuries at the start of the year, but once they get healthy, the Lakers could be back near the top in the Western Conference.
6. Portland Trail Blazers (49-33: 3rd Northwest Division)
High expectations for Portland, who had a huge 2nd place finish in the division a season ago, going all the way to the conference finals, before falling to the Warriors. This team got deeper by bringing in Hassan Whiteside via trade, putting him out there with CJ McCollum and Damian Lillard, they have something to build on. Mario Hezonja and Kent Bazemore are going to add a little more depth. They have a good team but, we say this almost every year with this conference, the West is loaded. Portland will be able to compete in the West but it won't be enough to get to the West finals again.
7. Golden State Warriors (46-36: 3rd Pacific Division)
This team has been the class of the Western Conference for a long time now, appearing in five straight NBA finals, a record that won't be touched for some time now. But a lot has changed for the Warriors. Curry and Green are still in place, Thompson is out for the year with a ACL injury. No Durant, he's hurt and in Brooklyn. And some of there other depth players are gone as well. D'Angello Russell was brought in from Brooklyn in a sign and trade with Durant, so he does provide some role playing depth,. But this is a huge step back for the Warriors. They can still be good enough to get a playoff spot, but its going to be a miracle if they want to stand a chance at a deep playoff run.
8. San Antonio Spurs (44-38: 2nd Southwest Division)
Its one of the longest streaks in not only NBA history but in all of sports. The Spurs haven't missed the NBA playoffs since 1997. Oh and most of the core group is still hear from last season. LaMarcus Aldridge and DeMar DeRozan are again the focal points of that offense with Bryn Forbes coming off the year he had last year, will be looking to build on it this year. They have some depth with guys like Patty Miills and Rudy Guy coming off the bench. There is a little bit of depth that this Spurs team can build off of. But when you consider how good the other seven teams are ahead of them, its going to be tough to move up much, if at all, in the Western Conference.
9. Dallas Mavericks (42-40: 3rd Southwest Division)
Its going to be close for the 2nd team to come out of the Southwest, but Dallas just misses out. No denying they've got a solid team. Luka Doncic and Kristaps Porzingis are going to be the selling points for Dallas. KP is coming back off his knee injury, so who knows what kind of shape he's in or how well he's going to respond. You have some nice role players with J.J. Barea, Seth Curry and Tim Hardaway Jr. coming off the bench. But lets face it, this team isn't close to being truly deep enough to really make a run for themselves in this conference. Solid team, but not good enough to get over the hump and into the playoffs.
10. Sacramento Kings (39-43: 4th Pacific Division)
Kings did a lot of retooling in the offseason, adding in some solid names to their lineup. Trevor Ariza was brought in to add some help to the Kings for guys like Harrison Barnes. Expect big standout years from guys like Buddy Heild and De'Aaron Fox. it's not going to be pretty for the Suns in a tough and top heavy Western Conference, but they have, on paper at least, enough talent to possibly hang around a little while.
11. Oklahoma City Thunder (36-46: 4th Northwest Division)
Last year was a playoff year for the Thunder, but they lost two key pieces in the offseason and could take a major step back this year. Russell Westbrook is in Houston, while Paul George is in LA. Sure getting Chris Paul in this lineup is a good piece to add and can provide some leadership. you also grabbed Shai Gilgeous-Alexander and Danilo Gallinari in the Paul trade. Throw in Steve Adams and you got a decent starting five. But what is going to really hurt the Thunder in a deep West, is lack of depth
12. New Orleans Pelicans (31-51: 4th Southwest Division)
It was bad enough for the Pelicans last year, winning 33 games with Anthony Davis in the lineup. Now Davis isn't here, as he took his talents out to Los Angeles. Lonzo Ball came over in the trade and is expected to be a solid player for this team. No doubt the leaders in New Orleans are JJ Redick and Brandon Ingram. Jrue Holiday is the other key member of the Pelicans offense, but again, this team doesn't have a top tier talent in the lineup this year, which means taking a big step back from a season ago.
13. Minnesota Timberwolves (30-52: 5th Northwest division)
No argument here that Karl-Anthony Towns is going to be a big star in this game, and right now Minnesota has him locked up. He does have a decent support staff in the starting five along with Jeff Teague and Andrew Wiggins, but when you look at things as they are, how much impressive depth does this Timberwolves team really have? They h=might have had a little bit better of odds had they played in the East, but that doesn't happen. They are in a loaded and tough Western Conference.
14. Phoenix Suns (30-52: 5th Pacific Division)
Talk about a retool. Phoenix is looking like a totally different basketball team. Ricky Rubio, Dario Saric, Aron Baynes and more are in. Dragan Bender, Jamal Crawford, Troy Daniels, Richaun Holmes, Josh Jackson, De'Anthony Melton and TJ Warren are out. With the changes that have already been made, don't expect much in terms of wins for Phoenix.
15. Memphis Grizzles (28-54: 5th Place Southwest Division)
Ja Morat being drafted 2nd overall could be something big down the line. There might be some key pieces in place in Memphis, when you combine him with Jaren Jackson Jr. and Brandon Clarke, both of whom are loaded with potential. Kyle Anderson and Jonas Valanciunas are young(ish) and perhaps underrated. Going to be a while before they contend, but its something to build off of.
Eastern Conference:
1. Milwaukee Bucks (58-24: 1st Central Division)
Last season for the Bucks was a magical one, as it concluded with 60 wins. This year, while still a division title well within reach, won't be the same as last year. The starting five is going to be really tough to deal with. Giannis Antetokounmpo is the best player in the Eastern Conference. Throw him in with Brook Lopez, Khris Middleton, Eric Bledsoe, and Wesley Matthews and you got a solid starting five that can go against anybody. They are still a talented team, there's no arguing that at all. But, there is an explanation for the drop off in wins for this year, compared to last. Talent has been more evenly distributed throughout the league. Going to be some tougher competition this year for the Bucks to have to go against. Still they're a good team and should have no problem taking this division.
2. Philadelphia 76ers (56-26: 1st Atlantic Division)
This Sixers team has the best shot this year to be able to stand toe to toe with the Bucks at the top of the Eastern Conference. And why not, its a loaded starting five. Ben Simmons, Josh Richardson, Joel Embiid, Al Horford and Tobias Harris are going to be tough to try and contain. Plus you got two solid guys coming of the bench in Tobias Harris and Trey Burke. Same argument here, in that this team is deep and balanced and could be a very dangerous team to come out of the East. A lot of it is going to rely on Embiid if he can stay healthy. That happens, the Sixers are going to be deadly.
3. Boston Celtics (52-30: 2nd Atlantic Division)
Boston looks a lot different from a season ago. Kyrie Irving and Al Horford are both gone. Losing Horford is a big loss, because its hard to replace his contributions as a passer, shooter and defender with Enes Kanter, Daniel Theis and Robert Williams III. But hey, there's still plenty of solid talent on this Celtics team. Gordon Hayward, Jayson Taytum, Jayden Brown and Kemba Walker join Kanter in the Celtics starting five. This team can have a solid defense and all around game, but missing two guys could hurt them just a little bit.
4. Miami Heat (48-34: 1st Southeast Division)
This was a 39 win team last year who's going to make a big step up in the East this year. Jistise Winslow and Jimmy Butler are going to make for a hell of a one two punch to carry this Miami offense. Adding in Meyers Leonard is a nice piece for the Heat to have to help balance out their attack. But Butler is going to be the key guy for this team, he could be a top twenty player in this league. You know its going to be good if you have Goran Dragic coming off the bench. Miami is going to be solid and should be able to win a division title.
5. Toronto Raptors (46-36: 3rd Atlantic Division)
Losing Kawhi Leonard was a pretty big blow for the defending NBA champions. So was losing Danny Green, both of whom headed for Los Angeles. But this team is still pretty good. Kyle Lowery is going to be the focal point for the True North's offense. Rondae Hollis-Jefferson came in from Brooklyn as a backup to Pascal Siakam. Marc Gasol came back as well, which adds another layer for this attack. Add in the depth of having guys like Fred VanVleet and Serge Ibaka (and his defense) and you got something in Toronto. there is still plenty of talent on this Raptors team, but the talent lost is going to be tough to overcome North of the Boarder this season.
6. Brooklyn Nets (43-39: 4th in Atlantic Division)
Making the playoffs last year was good, but the Nets want more than just good. They got it with the two big deals over the summer. Kevin Durant is out for the year due to injury, but when he comes back, he's going to make a dangerous weapon for the Nets. Add him with Kyrie Irving, and Brooklyn has one hell of a one two punch. They are both an upgrade over D'Angelo Russel, who's now out West. And its not just those two guys that the Nets have to power this team. Joe Harris and DeAndre Jordan are going to be impact starters with Irving. You got Spencer Dinwiddie and Jared Allen coming off the bench. This Nets team has depth and is going in the right direction. When they can be at full health, the sky is the limit in Brooklyn.
7. Indiana Pacers (42-40: 2nd Central Division)
If this team can stay healthy, they might have the tools to be able to pass the Nets in the standings. If they can stay on the court. Victor Olidapo is hurt and going to be on the mend for a while. Darren Collison's sudden retirement, along with Thaddeus Young's departure will be tough to overcome for the Pacers. They will still be good enough to finish over .500 and be in a playoff spot. They've got solid players with the likes of Miles Turner starting and Justin Holiday coming off the bench. Wouldn't say they are going to be a major player in this conference, but they're good enough to reach the post season.
8. Orlando Magic (41-41: 2nd Southeast Division)
They made the playoffs a year ago, and should, while taking a bit of a step back this year, make the playoffs for the 2nd year in a row. Markelle Fultz will be powering this Magic team this year, and hopefully getting some quality support. Case in point, Nikola Vucevic and Jonathan Isaac are going to be counted on to be solid to above average performers to give Fultz the support he needs. It may not be the flashiest team in the league, but it will be good enough to get into the post season.
9. Detroit Pistons (40-42: 3rd Central Division)
Detroit seems like one of those teams that was able to tread water this offseason. Joe Johnson was cut and Zaza Pachulia retired. Leading the charge in Detroit are Blake Griffin and Andre Drummond, who can still be top end talent. They also got a potential young star in Luke Kennard, who has the talent to be a good player. But Detroit lacks the depth to really be a solid team in this Eastern Conference.
10. Atlanta Hawks (36-46: 3rd Southeast Division)
Atlanta has a pretty solid future ahead of it. It's got a young core that consists of John Collins, Trae Young and Kevin Huerter. if he can every stay healthy and maybe find a game, Atlanta could have an unearthed gem in Jabari Parker, but injuries have cost hi/m during his career. There's a chance that Atlanta could surprise a few teams, but not quite yet.
11. Chicago Bulls (35-47: 4th Central Division)
There could be a sign of hope in the Windy City for Basketball. Just look at who they have starting. Tomas Satoransky, Zach LaVine, Otto Porter Jr., Thaddeus Young and Lauri Markkanen is certainly intriguing, as is throwing in a guy like Wendell Carter Jr. who can either start or come off the bench. Chicago has a few good pieces, but looks like they're a couple of years away from contending.
12. Washington Wizards (30-52: 4th Southeast Division)
This is going to be a big year, a real test year for Bradley Beal. He going to have to, with the minutes he going to be getting. Otto Porter is gone and John Wall aren't factors anymore. Sure, Ish Smith and Isaiah Thomas came aboard in Washington, but it doesn't look pretty for baskeball in our Nations Capital.
13. Charlotte Hornets (29-53: 5th Southeast Division)
Talk about a strange offseason in Charlotte. Losing Kemba Walker is a big blow. But grossly overpaying Terry Rozier to try and replace him is another thing. He's nowhere close to the level of Kemba and damn sure not at that price tag. Look they have some nice parts in Charlotte, with guys like Miles Bridges, Nicolas Batum, Michael Kidd-Gilchrist and Willy Hernangomez. At the end of the day, its not going to get them anywhere close to where they need to be.
14 New York Knicks (28-54: 5th Atlantic Division)
You missed out on hitting the mark on max contract players. This coming after missing out on having the first pick in the Draft. It's tough being a Knicks fan. Sure, selecting RJ Barrett out of Duke was a good pickup. Getting Julius Randle, Taj Gibson, Bobby Portis and Marcus Morris are all nice fits. But its really putting a band aid on a huge rebuild. Doesn't look like there's going to be much help coming in the future for the Knicks. I do feel bad for die hard, real Knicks fans who have to suffer through watching this franchise go in the direction its going.
15. Cleveland Cavaliers (19-63: 5th Central Division)
A small part of me really feels bad for Kevin Love, who's stuck with no real supporting cast around him in Cleveland. He's got really nothing with him. This squad just isn't ready to win a ton of meaningful games. And there isn't a single surefire future star on the roster.
NBA Finals: Clippers over 76ers!
